No Call telemarketing violations top consumer complaints in Wisconsin
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:29 AM CST
“Violations of the No Call list are the No. 1 consumer complaint on Wisconsin’s Top 10 list,” said Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
“More than 3,000 Wisconsin consumers filed written complaints about telemarketers. Be aware of criminal telemarketers that block your caller ID and substitute what appears to be a local number.”
Telecommunications (telephone companies) is No. 2 with 1,583 complaints. “Check your telephone bills and all your bills carefully for charges you don’t recognize or understand,” says Nilsestuen.
Landlord/tenant is No. 3 with 1,352 complaints. Consumer Protection can provide information on rental laws, getting help when things go wrong, and getting back security deposits.
Home improvement is No. 4 with 892 complaints. Victims can lose a small fortune. “Check out contractors before giving them any money by calling Consumer Protection,” said Nilsestuen.
Investment schemes are No. 5 and Business Opportunity/Franchises No. 8. Be skeptical of radio and TV infomercials and get-rich-quick telemarketers, spam, and unsolicited faxes. Call Consumer Protection and check for complaints.
Mail order complaints including online shopping are #6. To avoid non-delivery and late delivery, check out companies before sending money. Also make sure of refund policies and who pays for shipping.
Nilsestuen said credit cards complaints rank No. 7. Many consumers complained about ID theft and those pre-approved credit card offers mailed to them. To opt out of solicitations — which could be stolen and used to steal a person’s ID — call 888-567-8688 or go to www.optoutprescreen.com.
Cable TV ranks No. 9. Many consumers complained about billing errors, programming and not being able to watch NFL games without paying extra.
Contests and sweepstakes rank No. 10. Be wary when someone sends a check and then asks the recipient to wire a portion of the money somewhere else. This is the fake check scam.
Nilsestuen said that residents can avoid many consumer protection problems in general by calling the toll free hotline of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 1-800-422-7127.
‘Top 10’ consumer complaints
(Rank, product, number of written complaints)
1. No Call — telemarketing 3,194
2. Telecommunications 1,583
3. Landlord/tenant 1,352
4. Home improvement 892
5. Investment schemes 599
6. Mail order sales 552
7. Credit cards 543
8. Business opportunity/franchise 539
9. Cable TV 515
10. Contest/sweepstakes/prize promotion 493
Total complaints received in 2007: 14,876 |
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